Maldivian flourished for a place in history books

An incredible second-half action saw Maldivian through to the final of Club Maldives Cup 2018, defeating last year’s finalists, the mighty MPL in the semifinal, 3-1.

Deep in the second half, Maldivian wrote a new twist to a drama whose conclusion had looked all too predictable after the first half setback. However, in the end, Maldivian killed MPL softly in a comfortable night of cold weather, bringing their title hopes adrift.

Is this the revenge from Maldivian for blowing their title hopes away a couple of years ago, when MPL defeated Maldivian in a Club Maldives Cup final?

The match began and as expected, MPL was stronger and controlled the match comfortably. As a result, Mohamed Ayaaz (Ayaa) took the lead for MPL in the 5th minute of the match.

Then the rainfall came and lasted for a while which left portions of water here and there. But it was more in MPL’s half in the first-half of the match, which made difficult for Maldivian in their attacks.

However, they harried, and pressed and refused to let MPL settle. And when they ran in front in counter-attacks, there was always a risk of punishment for MPL as the attacks grew in danger. The ball was once slowed down in front of the goal of MPL with water resistance, which perhaps gave time to the goalkeeper of MPL to stop it from going inside.

In the second half, Maldivian looked much dangerous in attacks. More controversy grew regarding refereeing decisions, and with a quarter of the match left to play, it was already five fouls to each side.

Abdulla Shaffaan (Shakaa) equalized for Maldivian in the 9th minute of the second half from a spot kick.

MPL got chances to restore their lead thereafter, as they were awarded three spot kicks after Shaffaan’s equalizer. However, the goalkeeper of Maldivian, Adam Imaan comfortably saved the penalty kicks from Husham Ibrahim (Huttey) and Mohamed Ayaaz. Ali Shifau (Rona) was denied by the crossbar.

Then in the 19th minute, Ibrahim Thahseen (Thaadey) took the lead for Maldivian, turning all the predictions around, and bringing joy to their supporters.

Well, that did not simply end there. Shaffan extended the goal in the last minute of the match to finally end the contest.

Finally, Maldivian is through to the final. They will play against a side that looks even better than MPL. But they shall now have built the confidence in them, to thrash everything that comes in between them and the glory.